British & Irish Lions news: Lions deliver professional performance against star-studded AU-NZ Invitational side

Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions squad topped off their warm-up section of the tour with possibly their best performance to date.

Beating a team filled with New Zealand and Australian stars, Farrell’s side scored 48 unanswered points.

So, was this the best performance of the tour thus far, with the Test series just around the corner?

And which players gave Farrell and his fellow coaches a few last-minute selection headaches?

Sports News Blitz rugby writer Jacob Garrett weighs in on these questions ahead of the Test series against the Wallabies.

Professional win

I think, during Lions tours, pundits and fans get too excited with the flair and talent displayed by such a quality collection of players.

Considering, the team’s make-up includes all the best players from four of the most historic teams in world rugby.

But at times, many overlook the nature of Test match rugby, the less flashy elements of the sport.

The likes of the set-piece, the kicking battle and kick strategy, as well as the little battles that can play out at any moment in any game.

This week, the Lions performed a complete win over the AU-NZ Invitational side.

It could however, be compared to the Barbarians, considering the lack of opportunity to train and to hone a clear style of play.

Regardless of this, it may have been easy for the Lions to fall into the trap of playing from anywhere, throwing the ball around at every opportunity.

But, the team in red did not do this.

They played the game on their own terms — kicking as and when they wanted, rather than being forced into it by pressure from the opposition.

They were then able to play their more expansive game after a brilliant platform was set by the tight five.

Of course, scoring eight tries would be the headline for the Lions, but for myself, and for coach Andy Farrell — keeping the AU-NZ Invitational side to zero points is the most impressive stat to come out of the game.

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Across the warm-up games, there’s been a key trend of Farrell’s side — they start quite slowly.

Despite their big margins of victory, the opposition would often open the scoring or be very competitive in the early stages, that is, until the firepower off the bench took the game away from them.

However, in this encounter, the Lions gave a full 80-minute performance.

They exited their half effectively and defended with real physicality and tight structure.

Going into the Test series, the more conservative playstyle is much more conducive to international rugby.

A strong set-piece and winning kick battles before resorting to your more fluid attacking game in the right areas is the precedent that’s been set at the highest level.

Hence, my belief that this was by far and away the best performance from the tour thus far.

Irrespective of the level of opposition — the Lions played with real professionalism.

Excellence of Huw Jones

One of the biggest talking points relating to selection pertains to the centre partnership.

With the half-backs and wingers pretty much nailed on, and the full-back role up in the air due to fitness issues — the midfield is the only area in the backline that’s an out-and-out battle between four of the best players in their positions. 

Farrell has utilised two distinct combinations — Irishmen Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose, and Scottish duo Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones.

The latter partnership has been the more impressive out of the two.

However, particularly, the outside centres of both partnerships have been excellent in every game they’ve played.

Evidenced by Jones’ exceptional display against the AU-NZ Invitational side — his ability to make yards with raw pace and power is what makes him one of the best 13s in the Northern Hemisphere.

This, coupled with his positional sense on both sides of the ball, is why I believe his partnership with fellow Warrior Tuipulotu, should be the starting one come the Tests.

His performance was captured in a short passage of play in four phases: the Scot touched the ball twice and made around 60–70 metres, putting the Lions on the front foot and scattered the defensive line.

Going into the first Test, it is likely that Jones will start, given that Ringrose is sidelined due to concussion protocol following the game against the ACT Brumbies.

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The return of Owen Farrell

A few eyebrows were raised after ex-England captain Owen Farrell was called up following the injury to former club and country teammate, Elliot Daly.

But, the recent game illustrated the importance of the four-time Lions tourist and English legend.

After entering the field to a mixed reception, Farrell brought a sense of calmness to the Lions attack, with an excellent distribution and kicking game.

A key indication of this was Henry Pollock’s try.

As the Lions were picking up momentum as a result of their good shape, Farrell realised his attacking line was man-to-man against the AU-NZ defence.

He then subtly executed an excellent defence-breaking grubber for Pollock to chase, putting pressure on Tane Edmed, who was covering the backfield.

The kick’s quality was due to the weight of Farrell’s grubber — it scampered across the ground at a rate which gave pacey English back-rower the chance to pressure Edmed.

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This pressure led to a misplaced pass for Pollock to claim and then ground the ball as it bobbled over the tryline. 

It was an excellent move, with two generations of English rugby linking up.

Farrell’s experience to spot the kick being the best option in that moment, is exactly why he was called up.

Perhaps, he will not start, but if called upon, the Saracen has the experience and quality to control and change Test matches at will.

This, for me, is why I would not be surprised if he is handed the number 23 come the Wallabies Test series.

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Jacob Garrett

Jacob Garrett is doing a BA (HONS) degree in Film and Drama at the University of Manchester.

He is a massive rugby fan, having followed and played the sport since he was five years old.

Jacob also loves cricket and films - and has a real interest in everything in the media sphere.

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